The Boys' Herald
 | |
| Editor | Hamilton Edwards |
|---|---|
| Categories | Story paper |
| Frequency | Weekly |
| First issue | 1903 |
| Final issue | 1912 |
| Company | Amalgamated Press |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Based in | London |
| Language | English |
The Boys' Herald was a British boys' story paper published by the Amalgamated Press in the early 20th century.[1] Launched in August 1903, it was the third in a trio of successful boys’ publications under the direction of Hamilton Edwards, following The Boys' Friend (1895) and The Boys' Realm (1902). The Boys' Herald was marketed as “A Healthy Paper for Manly Boys” and was notable for its white paper print, distinguishing it from its predecessors. It ran for 511 issues from from August 8, 1903 until May 18, 1912. [2]
Origins and Format
[edit]In the early 1900s, Amalgamated Press dominated the British boys' periodical market, facing little competition as former publishing giants such as E.J. Brett and James Henderson waned. Under the leadership of Hamilton Edwards, the company had elevated The Boys' Friend to penny status in 1901, followed by the successful launch of The Boys’ Realm a year later. Recognizing the demand for additional weekly adventure and school stories, the company introduced Boys’ Herald in 1905, providing a mix of serialized fiction, standalone stories, articles, and editorial commentary.[3]
The first issue featured three serials: The Seventh House of St. Basil's by Henry St. John, Wings of Gold by Sidney Drew, and Trapper Dan by George Manville Fenn. Fenn, known for his respectable boys' fiction, was likely included as a nod to Edwardian parents seeking quality reading material for their sons. However, after Trapper Dan concluded, Fenn's presence in the Boys’ Herald dwindled, while St. John and Drew became mainstays in its pages.[4]
Early Success and Notable Stories
[edit]The Boys' Herald quickly gained a readership, bolstered by the addition of a fourth serial, Nelson Lee's Pupil by Maxwell Scott, in its second issue. This story featuring popular detective Nelson Lee, introduced Nipper, his future assistant, a street-smart orphan who turned out to be the heir to a vast estate. Nipper became a beloved character and would later feature in numerous adventures, solidifying his place in British boys’ fiction history.[5]
The first volume, spanning 52 issues, included notable serials such as Rajah Dick by David Goodwin and The New Master, a sequel to The Seventh House of St. Basil’s. The publication also featured double-number editions with full-colour covers, offering exceptional value for its twopence price tag. By its second year, the Boys’ Herald was at its peak, boasting up to eighteen serialized stories, including Afloat with Nelson by Henry St. John, On Turpin’s Highway by David Goodwin, and The Longbows of England by Morton Pike.[6]
Additionally, Football Foes by A.S. Hardy marked the paper’s first significant foray into school football fiction, a genre that would later grow in popularity. Nipper’s Schooldays also emerged as a landmark serial, setting the stage for his future escapades at St. Frank’s recounted in The Nelson Lee Library.[7]
Other notable authors include Herbert Maxwell, T.C. Bridges, Reginald Way, Henry Johnson, Alec G. Pearson, John Tregellis, John Hunter, William Murray Graydon, and Robert Leighton.[8]
Decline and Changes in Content
[edit]Despite its strong start, by its fifth year, cracks in the Boys' Herald’s dominance began to show. The quality of serials started to decline as newer, less experienced authors replaced established favourites. Suspenseful storytelling gave way to more hobby-oriented content, and an exchange and market section was introduced. Advertisers like Arthur Budge of Almondbury, Huddersfield, became well-known figures among readers.[9]
Reprints became increasingly common, with serials such as Val, the Boy Acrobat by Claude Heathcote and The Boys of St. Basil’s by Henry St. John appearing again, albeit in altered settings. Though these stories had been popular upon their initial publication, their reissued versions lacked the charm and freshness of the originals.[10]
Notably, Charles Hamilton contributed a short run of Cliveden School stories, which showcased his trademark style but did not become long-term fixtures.[11]
Final Years and Legacy
[edit]As its popularity waned, the Boys’ Herald struggled to maintain its former glory. After nearly a decade in print, the paper was discontinued, making way for Cheer Boys Cheer, a new title in a smaller, Magnet-style format with a brown cover. However, this successor failed to capture the same audience and lasted only a few months. A subsequent rebranding as Boys’ Journal fared little better.[12]
Though the Boys’ Herald ultimately faded, it left an indelible mark on boys’ literature. Its thrilling adventure tales, memorable characters, and vibrant serialized storytelling remained fondly remembered by those who had eagerly awaited each Thursday’s new issue. Even decades later, veteran readers revisited classic serials like Rajah Dick and Facing the Footlights, reliving the golden age of British boys’ fiction.[13]
The Boys’ Herald stood as a testament to the power of serialized storytelling and the adventurous spirit of Edwardian-era publications, capturing the imaginations of countless young readers during its heyday.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ Turner, E.S. (2003). All Quiet on the Home Front — an Oral History of Life in Britain During the First World War. Headline.
- ^ Leckenby, Herbert (December 1954). "Papers of the Past". Collectors Digest #67 July 1952. p. 89.
- ^ Leckenby, Herbert (December 1954). "Papers of the Past". Collectors Digest #67 July 1952. p. 89.
- ^ "Collectors' Digest #67 July 1952" (PDF). The Friardale Website.
- ^ "Collectors' Digest #67 July 1952" (PDF). The Friardale Website.
- ^ "Collectors' Digest #67 July 1952" (PDF). The Friardale Website.
- ^ Leckenby, Herbert (December 1954). "Papers of the Past". Collectors Digest #67 July 1952. p. 89.
- ^ van Emden, Richard and Humphries, Steve (1948). Boys Will Be Boys: The Story of Sweeney Todd, Deadwood Dick, Sexton Blake, Billy Bunter, Dick Barton et al. Faber & Faber.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Collectors' Digest #67 July 1952" (PDF). The Friardale Website.
- ^ "Collectors' Digest #67 July 1952" (PDF). The Friardale Website.
- ^ "Collectors' Digest #67 July 1952" (PDF). The Friardale Website.
- ^ "Collectors' Digest #67 July 1952" (PDF). The Friardale Website.
- ^ Leckenby, Herbert (December 1954). "Papers of the Past". Collectors Digest #67 July 1952. p. 89.
- ^ Leckenby, Herbert (December 1954). "Papers of the Past". Collectors Digest #67 July 1952. p. 89.
